Walt Weiss never doubted he wanted to return as Rockies manager

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said going through the grind of a season as a player helped prepare him for tough times as a manager. (Denver Post file photo)

Rockies owner Dick Monfort told The Denver Post Friday that he wants manager Walt Weiss to return for the 2014 season, and Weiss has made it clear he wants to return.

A contract has not been signed yet, but Weiss spoke about his situation prior the Saturday night’s game against the Diamondbacks.

“I think it’s pretty simple,” Weiss said. “I want to come back and the front office knows that I want to come back. But as far as any contract talks, there have been none. As I said last night, there will be a time for that.”

When asked if, during the toughest times this season, he ever had doubts about returning, Weiss said: “I knew that it was not always going to be roses as a manager in this league. There have been some tough weeks. But I never got to the point where I felt like I didn’t want to come back; where I didn’t want to do this.

“I’m used to the ups and downs of a season. I’m used to getting beat up. I got beat up plenty as a players. You show up the next day. As players, you develop that over time and you develop that mentality of perseverance and trying to endure. It’s not a whole lot different compared to how I looked at it as a player.”

Friday, Monfort told The Post: “It was up to him. We are trying to figure out a way where the contract is not an issue. He’s done a good job. He’s improved, he’s been loyal. I have seen a lot of growth. I am pleased with him.”

Pregame notes of note:

* Michael Cuddyer, hitting .331 and tied for the NL batting lead with the Braves’ Chris Johnson, is not in the starting lineup for the second straight game because of a strained left wrist. Cuddyer says he plans to play again on Sunday.

* Trainer Keith Dugger said there is still a slight chance that Carlos Gonzalez will hit again this season. CarGo received a shot in the injured middle finger of his right hand and there has been some improvement. CarGo should begin hitting a ball off a tee on Sunday and if he passes that test, he could begin taking batting practice.

* Catcher Wilin Rosario’s strained right calf muscle remains tightly wrapped and he says he still feels pain when he runs, but he’s making slight improvement. Dugger said there is a chance Rosario could still play this season, but said the club won’t rush Rosario onto the field if he’s not ready.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.